Born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 19, 1940, Smokey Robinson is second to only Berry Gordy in the founding of Motown. A prolific songwriter, he is credited with 4,000 songs and 37 Top 40 hits, including “Tears of a Clown,” “Tracks of My Tears” and “Love Machine.” Robinson also served as vice president of Motown records, writing and producing hits for groups such as The Temptations (“My Girl”) and Mary Wells (“My Guy”).